Supporting Women in Utah's Economy

August 3, 2023

This week, Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla participated in a round table event with outstanding companies that purposefully advance strategies, policies, and an overarching workplace culture to support the development, recruitment, and retention of women in the workplace. These companies champion women and families through a variety of flexible policies and benefits, including paid family leave, childcare support, and mentorship opportunities. You can read more about these companies in this policy brief developed by the Women and Leadership Project: https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/files/briefs/52-100-companies-championing-women-best-practices-utah-companies.pdf. The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity recognized these businesses with the “100 Companies Championing Women” designation, which is part of the “Inspire In Utah” initiative.

As a co-chair of the Women in the Economy Subcommittee (WIES), which seeks to improve conditions for women to participate in the workforce, Sen. Luz Escamilla celebrates these companies and their commitment to elevating a more inclusive economy that works better for everyone. This week, the WIES met to reflect on the round table discussion and hear from Patricia Jones, CEO of the Women's Leadership Institute (WLI), who offered insight on the WLI’s work to implement research-based initiatives to proactively change our work cultures and expand gender diversity in the workplace.